~The Christenson Crew~

Country Thunder 2009

2009-10-14T10:32:00.005-05:00

As usual, I got behind on posting! So here I am! Time to play Catch up :) Here are some pictures from Country Thunder this year. This kids came with us for two days! TONS OF FUN!! and Tons of Autographs! Caleb even got another kiss from Taylor Swift!

Us big kids got to meet Phil Vasser, as well as Neal Mccoy and Tracy Lawerence.

Kylie got tons of autographs too, including the one below from Ryder Lee. Another fun-filled year, and YES we renewed again for next year!!

Fun Times in the Spring!

2009-07-10T11:44:00.002-05:00

We took a few adventures to the park. Here are a few pictures from the Photo book I made. We went to Viking Park this time! The kids had a blast as usual!

Caleb took swimming lessons again this spring at Zion High School. He took group lessons this time, and they went very well! he made a couple new friends, and he PASSED to the next level! YEAH! [no doubt in my mind though, he loves the water] Grammy did buy him a wet suit. He said the water was too cold, and he didn't want to get in. The wet suit seemed to help! [in his head at least :O)

Kylie took Gymnastics at Ultimate this Spring! She had a blast too. She was in a Tiny Mite class, barely old enough to start the session, but she did WONDERFUL!!

Caleb wrapped up is last year of PRESCHOOL! AH!! I'm not ready for him to start kindergarten yet! Oh well! He turns 5 next week. The picture below is from his last field trip to the Racine Zoo. He had a great time with his new friends. Too bad none of them will be going to the same school as his next year.

WOW! Time for a Catch up!!

2009-07-10T11:38:00.003-05:00

I have been Terrible about Blogging, so sorry! I'm gonna do a quick :) run down of things in the past 3 months [AHHHH!] Donkey Ball! Yes that is correct. Antioch High School hosted a Donkey Basketball Game. Individuals ride around on the donkeys, and try to shoot the ball into the hoop! Really quite comical! I hope they have it again next year!

Kylie's 3rd Birthday

2009-05-05T11:08:00.003-05:00

I haven't had a chance to get any pictures posted from her birthday... But I HAD to pos

to post her cake picture!! Not only was this cake so Beautiful, it tasted AMAZING!!! Check out the website if you are in need of a super special cake for ANY occasion!!

www.nikscakes.webs.com

Our April Adventures so far...

2009-04-17T14:43:00.003-05:00

The Easter Bunny came to the house!!!!

Kylie Started gymnasitcs this month too at Ultimate! She loves it! Not afraid to try anything!!

T-Shirts for Firefighter's Children/Grandchildren

2009-04-09T10:54:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in ordering a Tshirt or would like more details, please contact me at tmcjr430@yahoo.com

All orders must be received by April 24th, 2009. Thanks! Lori

Pictures with the Kids!

2009-03-05T14:54:00.003-06:00

I took the kids to Portrait Innovations in Kenosha! Phenominal Job!! Ended up being slightly more pricey than I would normally like to spend, but they did a truly excellent job! We went there with one of my best girlfriends, Clarissa, and her two kids, Emma and Quinn. All the kids did WONDERFUL! They took close to 130 pictures for us to choose from. So below are just a few. I didn't actually buy them all, but because we spent so darn much we got all the pictures on a CD for free! SWEET DEAL!! Highly recommended!! The kids even got a wardrobe change, so Easter pictures are all taken care of too :)

Maybe I can win something in my life time :O)

2009-02-17T08:42:00.001-06:00

Ive started following and checking out a few other sites latelt [Thanks Marci for this one] THis new site is having a bunch of contests going on this week for their big debut and it should would be great to win at least one...but the grand prize would sure be nice!

January Fun! Snowmobiling in Eagle River, WI

2009-02-11T13:34:00.003-06:00

So I am WAY behind on posting anything... so sorry! Here are just a few quick shots of our snow mobile trip in January 2009. We had a great time! Below is Kylie and I on the sled.

Caleb and Daddy Kylie in the big Furry Boots! [Talk about Boots with the FUR!]

One of the few pictures of Tim and I together... not a great one, but oh well :O)

And Smiley Kylie after a long day of Riding!!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - long post sorry :)

2009-01-07T10:29:00.005-06:00

So we had a very busy and full holiday as I am sure many of you all did too. I decided we would host Christmas Eve with all of Tim's family at our house. So we did an early dinner, and opened presents. I turned out to just be the Nystrom side, but that still left us at over 25 people. Wow! Below is Kylie with her very first Barbie. Thanks Uncle Randy and Aunt Jackie :) Caleb LOVED his gift from Uncle Bob and Aunt Janelle. Nerf shooting darts! They are still ALL over the house! But he LOVES the gift.

Great Grandpa Nystrom made the journey up to Illinois, and is looking forward to heading back to the warmth of Florida this Sunday, but it was so nice to have him here with us. First Holiday we've gotten to spend with him.

Traditional Christmas Jammies were opened before bed time. Caleb really wanted to go to the 11pm service with Grammy and Grampy, but by 9pm we were all ready to turn in. Caleb was SO insistent he went, but after we set out cookies and egg nog, and the key to the house [and Caleb through lettuce out the front door for the reindeer], we were all ready to turn in! Caleb tried to wait up in his room with a walkie talkie to catch Santa, but no luck this year!

Christmas morning brought ANOTHER Day of family fun! The kids got hoppity balls and a chair from Santa. They also got a set of Dominos. Caleb LOVES playing, so does Kylie. Below is Kylie trying to hop on her princess ball. Didn't work too well, I think it needs a little air out.

Opening stocking!

The Dominos

Some socks and clothing :O)

And a big hug for Daddy!

Then off to our first stop. Nana and Popa's. Great Grandma Christenson was also there for a nice Christmas morning brunch. More presents and tons of clothes.

Kylie got a nice bike helmet from Auntie NumNum [Stella] and Caleb got some roller blades.

Another favorite of mine for Caleb was his John Deer Cowboy boots! NICE!

Off to the Pieps! Below is a picture a few days after Christmas of the kids in their crowns from Uncle Dave and Jenna.

Caleb's wobble [balance] board, which he isn't too bad at. He needs to put on a few pounds to really be able to move it better on his own, but he's doing good!

Kylie helpipng Grammy open the gift from the kids!

and Caleb opening the TAG reading system! This thing is WAY COOL!

Caleb and Uncle Dave played his fun wack a monster game! Good for the coordination :O)

AH!!! It was a great holiday season, but it sure is nice that is over too :O)

Christmas with the Tomaselli's

2009-01-07T10:24:00.003-06:00

Every year we look forward to spending another holiday party with the Tomaselli's. Above is a shot of the guys, minus Tim. Jim, Justin, Caleb, Dad and Dave. We got together again and my parents and had a great dinner and a great time! Below is Kylie with the gift we gave to Morgan.

Morgan giving Kylie a GREAT big Hug!

Justin, Caleb and Tim after dinner.

Justin and Caleb excerising a little, running with Wii Fit.

Winter Fun Snowmobiling!

2008-12-22T11:11:00.005-06:00

Before it hit Sub-zero freezing around here... we managed to get out in the yard and play. Friday, December 19th, we had about 12 inches of snow dumped on us. Caleb's school was even cancelled! YEAH SNOW DAY! So we bundled up and headed out for some Winter Fun! Below is Kylie hanging out on the new sled from Grammy. GO BEARS!

Playing on the snow pile in our DRIVEWAY from it being plowed! Tim made a little track in the front yard for Caleb to ride his snowmobile around and around... and around! He did amazing! and Loved it! As he drove by, you could hear him making engine reving sounds... So cute! Kylie and I even took a few spins around on Tim's sled. Saturday, after I got off work, we went and played over at Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Ryan's. Tim made another track in their back yard, and Caleb drove around forever again with Cousin Paytin. They both did super!

Auntie TBird (Tiffany) took Kylie around for a few laps too! Kylie is so adventurous, and LOVED to be riding! After riding the kids all made snow angels, before we called it quits to go warm up inside!

All the stocking were hung by the chimney with care...

2008-12-05T09:57:00.003-06:00

So we actually got everything put up the weekend of Thanksgiving, I'm just a little behind on posting it. Caleb and Kylie were great helpers for setting up all the trees. We put up FOUR total. One in the main family room, with the fireplace and stockings. That's our family tree. No picture of it for some reason. It has blue and white lights and blue, white and silver ornaments mostly. It also has the other special ornaments like our frst house, our first year together, the kids # christmas', and other random ones. :O)

Below is Caleb and Kylie helping me put together Tim's Tree - Tree number TWO. This one is in the pool table room. It's got all of Tim's fire department and tool ornaments. So that's Daddy's tree.

Caleb's tree is still all M&Ms and each year we try to add a few new ones. This year we found ELIVS M&Ms at Walgreens. Only bought 2 or the four, but they were so cute! Caleb's garland is even M&Ms. You can see Caleb's own stocking hanging in the corner of his window. It matches his tree skirt and Christmas Blanket from Auntie DEE DEE. This is Kylie's first year for a tree. It's a little smaller than Caleb [by two feet] but so far, she hasn't noticed or cared. She has little princess ornaments and hello kitty. We've added a Tinkerbell tree topper since I took the picture.

She's got her own Tree skirt, blanket and stocking too! Thank you Auntie DEE DEE!

Winder Wonderland Express

2008-12-01T13:04:00.004-06:00

So if you have never been before, I would highly recommend the Wonderland Express exhibit at the Botanical Gardens. My mom and I took the kids on Black Friday [instead of going out to spend money :O), since I'm pretty much done shopping as it is!]. We had a blast. This is our second year going, and Kylie enjoyed it this year so much more too. It was really neat to see her face and she saw the trains going by. Here is her and one of the light houses. Here is some of Chicago's skyline. Navy Pier. See the Ferris Wheel!

Here a shot of the American Girl store and Crate and Barrel. And Mine and Kylie's personal favorite train, the Ladybug!

Here is another one of the kids looking at Navy Pier.And here is Solider Field.

This is the Holiday Express train that is actually outside the exhibit. Kylie chased it aruond and around. Almost more exciting for her than inside the actual exhibit. And the kids just being GOOFY!

It's snack day again!!

2008-11-17T13:26:00.004-06:00

Okay, so the fact that coming up with WHAT to make was quite the discussion with Caleb. I asked what he wanted to make "foodwise" and he said little tables, because that is what they sit and eat at everyday. I was really pushing the THANKSGIVING theme, and that's what he REALLY WANTED.

However, after careful strategic discussion with him... :) we finally decided on turkey cookies. So we made them last night, since tomorrow is snack day! Below is a picture of the final product. The eyes ended up being green, desipte the fact that Caleb really wanted them to be BLUE since that is the color of HIS eyes. He settled for Green since that is the color of my eyes [and we only have GREEN frosting!!]

Too cute not to share...

2008-11-14T15:14:00.003-06:00

Here is a little clip of Kylie's bedtime prayer:

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

The Angels watch me through the night, until I wake in Morning Light. AMEN!

Christmas pictures already!

2008-11-12T10:55:00.002-06:00

So I broke down and went back to Sears anyways, despite the attitude I got from the one girl that I dealt with last time. And, boy am I glad I did! The pictures turned out GREAT as usual! Still waiting for the REAL prints to come in, but here is a quick sneak peak!!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T10:46:00.003-06:00

We went for an early trick or treat at Grammy and Grampy's after Calebs' make up gymnastics class. :O) Adorable Costumes!! Trick or treating was a sucess in our neighorhood as well, just over two hours of riding around in the power wheel jeep.

Our Halloween party at the house was also a GREAT turnout! and a fabulous time! Lots of great costumes and SO MUCH FUN!

Kylie singing one of her MANY songs! So Talented :O)

2008-10-27T11:08:00.001-05:00

Here is Kylie singing one of her JAMS!

Carving Pumpkins 2008

2008-10-27T10:59:00.004-05:00

Tim and Caleb worked on Caleb's Pumpkin, and Kylie and I were in charge of the other! Then, Tim asks ... do you think your head could fit inside! What a NOVEL IDEA!! :O)

Caleb even worked on some carving of his own, with a scrap of pumpkin!

The finished Products!!

Caleb and Lelo - Created by Caleb & Kylie

2008-10-15T10:04:00.003-05:00

So after our lunch with Auntie Kelly, we took a little trip up the Westfield Mall in Vernon Hills. We've had a gift card to use at Build - A - Bear for quite some time, and I figured it was about time to use it. So we did. Grammy came with us. Caleb and Kylie each picked out the bear they wanted to stuff, then got to take turns using the big machine and foot pedal to fill them. Caleb went first [since he was born first... he's been using that line a lot lately]. After stuffing the bear, you get o pick out a heart and place it inside too! [Sounds are optional too, but cost more] Caleb rubber his bear's heart on his own heart and muscles to make sure he was nice and strong. Then, the worker sewed him up!

Kylie's Turn. She did pretty much the same thing, although she had a little more difficulty with the foot pedal. Grammy helped some! She danced around like a ballerina with her bear's heart! TOO CUTE!!! Stuffed and ready to go, we moved on! The kids got to give their bears a bath before we picked them out something to wear and named them. That was too cute! The little foot pedal again to simulate the water flowing, the little brushes for them to brush the bears! All in a real bathtub for them! So then we picked out a shirt for each bear, which was quite a dilema it self. Caleb wanted a full outfit, but we were sticking to just a shirt this time. Kylie picked a cute pink one, and Caleb FINALLY decided on a blue striped button down, like him and daddy wear. Now, Tim for the names!!! First Name Caleb picked was "Tee". As we proceeded with making the birth certificate and gave him one last chance to change his mind, he did! He wanted to name the bear - Caleb :O)

Kylie on the other hand was set from the start.... She wanted her bear's name "Lelo" I am PRETTY sure that was her attempt at Yellow... but Lelo sounds so cute coming from her :) so Lelo it is!!

Happy Birthday Auntie Kelly!

2008-10-15T09:56:00.003-05:00

We took a trip down to Evanston to have a nice Day-early birthday lunch with Auntie Kelly! We went to this fun little place call the Davis Street Fishmarket! Very yummy! Caleb did a great job of taking a picture of the rest of us! [below] We had a great time! Kylie even got a chance to shoot a picture, with a little assistance [below]

Caleb was just amazed with the construction site across the street. Particularly the Crane and the elevator. Kylie gave a Kelly a big kiss goodbye, and we head back to drop her off at work Happy Birthday Auntie Kelly!!

Gymnastics at Ultimate [Two in one day... I know!]

2008-10-08T13:22:00.003-05:00

So as some of you may know, I started coaching gymnasitcs and a could cheer classes at Ultimate in Gurnee, on my days off [HA days off!!] I am really enjoying it, despite being kicked in the head a few times by one of my spaghetti leg students! But hey, what can you do! So Caleb is signed up for an Ultimite Class on Thursdays. During his class, I can take Kylie to play in the "Open Baby Gym". It would normally be $2 for her to place while Caleb is in class, but I get a discount! FREE :O) So yes, all the pictures below are only of Kylie. I need to take a few of Caleb while he's in class this week :) Below is Tim helping Kylie swing on the rings!

And here she is swinging on the bar! Absolutely LOVES IT!! Here's a shot of the two before we headed to gymnastics! They are just too adorable!! :)

Our trip the the Racine Zoo

2008-10-08T13:05:00.003-05:00

Our Trip to the Racine Zoo! NO elephants though! BOO! The zoo is a nice small size, just enough for us to get around and not run out of energy with the kids! Above is a nice shot of the kids hangin out in the little "cage" we came across. Pictured from Left to Right... Caleb, Kylie, Will, & Emma. And Below, all the kids piled on and wrestling with the crocodile. Leaving the Zoo! A fun day, despite the lack of Elephants! Lots of Monkeys, including the ones below. Here is a shot of all of us. Clarissa and Emma, Me, Kylie, Andrea, Will and Caleb

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T14:38:00.002-05:00

We started our weekend off wonderfully, by Celebrating our 5 Year Anniversary on Saturday. The kids went up to Delavan with Nana and Poppa early on Friday so they could spend the day at the Elkhorn Fair. Tim and I drove up to Lake Geneva to have dinner at one of the best restaurants up there, Popeyes!! YUM!! I had a great Steak and Shrimp/Lobster Scampi! Delicious!! After dinner I wait in quite a long line, got cut a few times, but Finally got to buy my fudge! It was superb!! We drove up the rest of the way and spent the night in Delavan with the kids and Tim's parents. Tiffany and Ryan [the newlyweds] also joined us at the condo Saturday night.

On Sunday, it was an absolute GORGEOUS Day. Brandon and Kate met all of us up at the condo and we took the boat out for an all day adventure. Below are the kids on the boat! Happy as can be!

Tim got the wave runner running again, so we all took turns playing around in the lake. Well Brandon and I. Then Tim took Caleb who had an absolute blast driving! Kylie had a blast on the wave runner too! However, her hands were in the air for most of her ride... just loving it! She's definitely the more daring one between the two. Kept wanting to go faster! The kids even took turns driving the boat! Again, they absolutely LOVED it! It was such a perfect day to spend in the sun too, with an occasional dip in the lake to cool off. And here is Caleb. He was definitely getting a little tired of being in the sun, but he had his nice new John Deer hat from the fair to help keep the sun out of his eyes! and one of the best seats on the boat, next to Brandon's girlfriend Kate! :) I also attempted to wake board for the first time. Sorry no pictures to publish from that! I did manage to stand up twice. I was quite proud. Didn't stay standing for long, but I did stand up!

Our Trip to Great America - August 27th, 2008

2008-08-28T14:29:00.004-05:00

So Tim and I took the kids to Six Flags Great America with some friends yesterday, Kevin, Sam and Dylan (pictured on the right above). Three hours there for some reason seemed like forever, but we had fun. Here are a few pictures of our adventure. Below is a picture of the boys walking in.

Kylie LOVED the lady bug ride in the National Park. I think she rode it Three time! The third time, the boys finally joined her.

Here's a shot of the kids walking together, actually listening to us!

Kylie and I on the Wiggles ride in Wiggles town.

The three kids on the boat ride in Camp Cartoon. Kylie was insistant on riding the helicopter ride, but the boys were still playing in the ball pit area. So she made a new friend and went on anyways!

Tiffany and Ryan's Wedding - Aug 23, 2008

2008-08-25T15:52:00.005-05:00

Tim's youngest sister got married on August 23, 2008. Caleb and Kylie [and Tim] were all in the wedding. We took Kylie with for a manicure pedicure. She only had to have her toes touched up once before we left. Not bad for a two year old. Half way into my pedicure, she yells out... I have to "poop". Had to take a break from my relaxing pedicure to take her. I was so worried she was going to do that during the ceremony, but she didn't!Here is a shot of Tiffany with the groomsman. Tim is on the far right, with Brandon [his brother] right next to him.A couple of shots with Grammy and Grampy! Kylie was a great flowergirl, despite the fact that she yelled at me when I tried to show her how she should throw the petals on the ground. She wanted to keep them in her basket, so she picked them back up. Then, proceeded down the aisle with Caleb. Oh well! At least she walked. She got the hang of it for the walk out though, because she dropped the petals then!

Here is a shot of the two of them waiting patiently for pictures they both did SUPER! By the end of the night they both crashed! Kylie didn't even make it through dinner. PASSED out on grammy arm about 8:45p. LONG DAY! Tim went and got the pack and play from the hotel room and we put her down. Caleb lasted another couple hours before he crashed too, and we were able to put them both in the same pack and play! Here are just a couple random shots from the rehearsal! Too cute not to share! Kylie was driving her "car"... yes the highchair! This is Caleb with Ryan, the groom's, niece Sarah. She just loved climbing on him. And Caleb loved the attention!

My First Chicago Bears Game~21Aug2008

2008-08-25T15:33:00.006-05:00

I was SO excited for my very first Chicago Bears game! Don and Debbie took us and we had an absolute BLAST! They are pictured below. We had super seats in Section 333. Row 2 Seats 1-4. I must say, when we first walked out to go down the stairs, my heart nearly stopped! STEEP stairs and a few stories up NOT a good combination for someone who is deathly afraid to heights... ME!! But after the first walk down the stairs, of which I made Tim walk in front of me in case I fell... I survived and the rest of the trips up and down were no so bad! Great Seats though and a GREAT view of the game!! Definitely a highlight for me!!

Catching up!!!

2008-08-13T10:39:00.004-05:00

So here are just a couple pictures of a few fun events we had over the course of the last few weeks. It's been crazy busy as usaul, and I went out and got a second Job on top of it all. I started Coaching gymnastics at Ultimate and I am so excited! Here is Caleb and Kylie -TOGETHER- in the stroller after a fun evening at Lake Villa Days on Aug 1st. On August 8th and 9th, we had our Class of 98 10 year reunion! WOW ten years already! Kinda crazy!! There are SO many pictures from that night I only grab two. The first picture is from the mixer at Jessie Oaks! A very fun night! And the second is us at Austin's where is was a little more formal. Good turn out, but we probably could have gotten away with just one night! And of course... the Gurnee Days Parade. Couldn't miss that! It was nice and hot in the sun, but it felt so nice to be outside! The kids loved it! Got a HUGE bag of Candy too!

Country Thunder 2008

2008-07-22T10:25:00.004-05:00

My Little Cowboy had a blast. Although he spike a fever the day before we were supposed to go up, we brought him up with us anyways. We took the camper up with Tim's parents on Tuesday, July 15th. To set up Camp. For those of you who don't know what Country Thunder is, it's a four day Country Music Fest up in Twin Lakes Wisconsin. We've been going for years, and we stay up there and camp for the duration of the time. It's loads of fun!

Caleb woke up the next day feeling much better and ready to go. Despite to unbelievably hot weather... we had a great time! Caleb got his shirt signed by Charles from Lady Antebellum [he's in the grey below.

Taylor Swift took Caleb's hand and sung to him for a little bit then gave him a kiss. Taylor Swift is below.

And this is a picture of Caleb embarrassed after he sat back down.

Caleb was a trooper, but by 10pm he was pooped! He made it through about the first song of Carrie Underwood!

Highlights from the rest of the week...

Wednesday's line up: Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood

Thursday GREAT line up! - Ashton Shepherd, Keith Anderson [he's pictured below], Emerson Drive, Miranda Lambert, and Diercks Bentley! All put on GREAT SHOWS!

We woke up Thursday Morning and made Mickey Mouse Pancakes for Caleb's birthday. After breakfast, I drove back to Antioch to meet my mom so Caleb could spend the rest of the weekend with my parents, and Kylie [Thank you again Mom and Dad]

Fridays line up: Jason Michael Carrol, Randy Owen, Clay Walker, Sugarland

Randy Owens was amazing! I got his autograph and Tim got one of his picks! He did a super job! and even sang Angels Among us! AWESOME! [I'll try to get the video of that posted] Clay Walker was good. Sugarland ROCKED! I got both Jennifer Nettles signature and Kristian's. Sam for Kristian's and his pick. GREAT NIGHT!! Saturday's Line up: Luke Bryan [who we got to meet back stage and get pictures with, and his band] Kellie Pickler, Jessica Simpson, and Sara Evans.

Highlight of Saturday was boring Dave's pass to get back stage! THANK YOU!!

Great Time! Can't wait until next year! Tim McGraw is coming back!!

So, I'm falling a little behind!

2008-07-22T10:21:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Caleb's 4th birthday on Sunday, July 13th. His actual birthday fell during the week and during Country Thunder. Above is his cupcake cake and Kylie's messy face eating them. We had a great time, a nice small turn out and GREAT weather!

We made it through the 4th!

2008-07-08T09:03:00.007-05:00

Well, we certainly had a BUSY and fun filled Fourth of July Weekend!! Friday. the Fourth was actually a mellow night for us. Tim was on call, and we just laid low and did NOTHING :O) It was nice. We were resting up for the rest of the weekend. Saturday we went over to Bob and Janelle's for their "5th" of July Party! It was a blast and an absolute riot! Caleb and Kylie had a blast running aaround, swimming in the pool with Grammy and Grampy.

It was a Pig Roast and the pig turned out GREAT!

Caleb had agreat time on the giant slip and slide. Although, he kept trying to run away from Grampy... I wonder why?? :O)

Kylie has a new boyfriend, Chad! What a little cuite!!

After the fireworks, the lit up the bonfire! No burning injuries this year, thank goodness! And Late night Pizza snack thanks for Ryan. YUM!!

Of course, I did say there were no Burning incidents, but there were a couple of GOOD falls. Only one broken chair that ended up in the fire, with Bob on his back. I think they are trying help him out here :O)

Way to many pictures from that evening to post but it was SO MUCH FUN!!!

On Sunday, Ryan and Tbird took us out on Lake Michigan! What a beautiful day! Not bad boating weather either! :O) Caleb wasn't so sure. His first words when we hit a couple "kinda rough" spots were, "this is why I didn't want to come out". Kylie on the other hand, had her hands high in the air... laughing her head off! Ryan's got this in and out service. They bring the boat out to the water with a GIANT forklift! It's was amazing... and kinda scary!

Kylie even got to drive Uncle Ry's boat!

What a great weekend with Family and Friends!! Hope everyone had a safe and WONDERFUL Fourth!!

It's picture time again!

2008-07-01T10:26:00.012-05:00

I haven't been going nearly as often as I did when Caleb was younger, but I still try to get the kids pictures taken a few times a year. Usually, one time around Easter, somewhere in between their birthdays, and once again around Christmas. I had a bit of a coupon/pricing fiasco this time, but nothing that a little email to corporate couldn't fix. They did a great job again, as usual taking the pictures.

The kids were in the same/similar outfits as picture take two years prior. So here's a few of those old shots as well. So cute! Boy how they change in two years!

Our trip to the Wilmont Races

2008-06-25T09:58:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, June 21st, we finally made it up to the Wilmont Speedway. After two failed attempts last year, we finally got to take the kids to see the races. We had a blast. Dustin and Cousin Razz went with us. Caleb and Kylie had no issues with the noise! We watched the 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Strret Stocks, Mini Sprints, F4's . It was so much fun!

June 24th, 2008

2008-06-24T08:28:00.008-05:00

Okay, so I have finally attempted to get my act together and get a blog put together. It will probably be really chopping and hopefully I'll be able to stay on top of updating it as often as possible. No Promises though! I just started a new job at Abbott. Caleb just finished up year one of preschool. One more year and he'll be in FULL DAY kindergarden AHHH! He'll be 4 next month. Kylie just turned 2 in April, and we've slowly moving into the potting training stage. VERY Slowly!! Some days she does SO GOOD! Then others, just said she doesn't want to . Very independant two year old! The pictures below are from the recent Carnival Days in the Harbor.

Here are some other miscelanioius picture of the kids from this year. Trip to the Township park.

Kylie eating a pepperchini and then Passed out at Aunt Tbird and Uncle Ryan's on Memorial day [no that beer wasn't hers]

The Winthrop Harbor Memorial Day Parade:

Back in April 2008, we took the kids on a little venture to Naples, Florida. Definitely not their first vacation. But one of the first that we took as just the four of us. We flew down to into Ft. Myers airport, rented a car and drove to Naples to stay at the condo. We got in late evening on Friday, so we just stopped and picked up some groceries and kinda laid low. Got the kids all settled in and ready for bed. Saturday we drove over the see Grandpa Nystrom in Bonita Springs. We hung out with him at his house for a while and the kids ran after the gecko's trying to catch them. No luck! We ventured down to Ft Myers beach, walked around, played in the sand. Sunday, Tiffany and Ryan joined us. Hung out at the condo, the kids swam in the pool. LOVED the water! Grandpa and Uncle Steve joined us, as well as Grandpa's friend Mary. We went out to dinner and a really nice Italian place. YUM! We also enjoyed lunch a couple time in Ft Myers at the good ol' Hooters. Caleb and Kylie were luck and got a few goodies from Aunt Tbird and Uncle Ryan. We tried to get to the beach each night for the sunset, well I did. Tim said if you've seen one, you've seen them all :O) But he still went each night.